Scottish Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands Secretary has announced a £1 million
increase to the Scottish Land Fund - a flagship scheme that
helps communities take ownership of local land and buildings.
Ms Gougeon visited Granton Community Gardeners project, a
previous recipient of support from the Fund.
She said:
“Since 2016, hundreds of local groups have
benefited from the Scottish Land Fund. It allows people to buy
land and buildings in their areas to puts the needs of their
community first - helping to create jobs, mitigate climate
change, and tackle social isolation and loneliness. It is only
right that those that know what’s best for their area have a say
in how local land and buildings are used.
“The Granton Community Gardeners have gone from strength to
strength since their humble beginnings in 2010. The project is a
prime example of what the power of community action can achieve
and the positive impact that the group has had on their local
area is inspirational.”
“We want more neighbourhoods to benefit from the opportunities
that land ownership brings. This increase in funding will allow
even more community groups to realise their ambitions and is part
of our three key missions for Scotland: equality, opportunity and
community.
“By 2026 the Scottish Land Fund will have doubled to £20 million
and I would encourage any group with ideas about how the land and
buildings around them could be improved to get in touch with the
Scottish Land Fund.”
Chair of Community Land Scotland Ailsa Raeburn said:
“Community Land Scotland welcomes the news of the increase in the
Scottish Land Fund.
“Communities all across Scotland are ambitious for their local
areas. Since its introduction, the Fund has supported
people from every type of community to buy land and buildings
that are important to making their places better, to protect and
develop local services and create new housing and jobs.
“Its increase will allow many more communities to access the Fund
to take forward their own projects.”
Background
A total of £11 million in grants will be available through the
Scottish Land Fund in 2023-24 for voluntary, community or public
sector organisations to apply for support to buy land or land
assets in urban and rural Scotland.
The Scottish Land Fund is
administered jointly, on behalf of the Scottish Government, by
the National Lottery Community Fund and Highlands and
Islands Enterprise.
For information on how to apply contact the National Lottery Community Fund
Scotland at advicescotland@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk or
on 0300 123 7110.
